How to Become a Massage Therapist

A career in massage therapy involves so much more than making people feel relaxed. Massage therapists use modern science and age old techniques to speed up the healing process, reduce pain and relieve stress. Massage therapists need to have the sensitivity and focus necessary to work with patients and improve their well being. While some states don’t have any licensing regulations, others require massage therapists to attend an accredited massage school and pass an exam before they can be licensed to practice massage therapy.

Is Massage Therapy for You?

If you want to pursue a career in massage therapy, you need to do some research first. Find out what your state’s massage therapy licensing requirements are. Also check with your county or city because they may have certain massage therapy requirements, even if your state does not. You also need to decide which type of massage therapy you want to pursue. Some areas you could consider are reflexology, shiatsu, swedish massage, sports massage, acupressure or animal massage. Once you have found a direction you think you might like, talk with massage therapist that practices that type of massage to get more information. Find out what their typical day is like and what they like or don’t like about their job.

If your state requires you to have a massage therapy degree, you need to find a school to attend. Look for a massage therapy program that has been approved by a valid national accreditation agency. Some schools may claim that they are accredited when they are actually not. If you don’t do your homework, you may invest your time and money getting a degree that won’t be accepted by your state or employer. Some credible accreditation agencies include:

• Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation
• Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology
• National Accrediting Commission of Cosmetology Arts and Sciences
• Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training
• Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools

Once you have finished your massage therapy degree, you can take one of the certification examinations to become a certified massage therapist. Even if your state does not require you to take these exams, becoming certified is a great way to get a head start in the field of massage therapy. Both the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork and the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards offer certification exams, so make sure you know which one is required by your state.

If necessary, apply for a state, county or city license to practice massage therapy. Start applying for jobs to begin your career as a massage therapist. Some of the companies that may hire massage therapists are hospitals, corporate offices, health clubs, spas, sports medicine or physical therapy clinics and chiropractic offices. Once you have gained some experience, you may want to start your own massage therapy business. Make sure you brush up on your business skills so you can handle the paperwork and tax requirements that go along with a massage therapy business. You will also need to find your own clients and have your own equipment.